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The May meeting was our annual social night and 66 members and guests enjoyed a variety of wines, cheeses, patés and salads. This was followed by an illustrated presentation by member Eric Greenwood, entitled ‘A Voyage Around My Grandfather – A Chauffeur’s Tale’. Eric’s Grandfather was chauffeur to a Northern industrialist in the early part of the 20th century when ownership of cars was still the privilege of the few. He still has an original paper licence belonging to his grandfather which at the time of issue had to be renewed each year upon payment of five shillings. No driving test was required but the maximum speed was restricted to 20 mph. This was really motoring as prior to the ‘Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896’ the speed limit was 4 mph in rural areas and 2 mph in towns. Still quicker to walk!

Our next meeting at St Saviour’s Church Hall is on Tuesday 4th July 2017 at 8.00pm. Gay Hill will give a presentation entitled “100 Years of Electoral Reform in the West Midlands”. It is just over 100 years since the visit of influential suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst to Kidderminster to speak at the Corn Exchange in the town hall. She was campaigning for the vote to be given not only to the middle class but also extended to the working class. As you read this we will have just had a General Election and whatever the outcome it is a salutary thought that prior to electoral reform most of us would have taken no part in it. Visitors are most welcome at all our events – see home page for details and contacts.

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